Dan Christison takes next step in AFL

As one of the marquee names in the fledgling American Fight League, the 35-year-old former “Ultimate Fighter” cast member is one of the fighters upon which the AFL is building its unique brand of mixed martial arts.

Although the heavyweight submission specialist has endured ups and downs throughout his eight-year career that’s produced an 11-6 record, he brings UFC pedigree to a fight league looking to make inroads in a crowded field of MMA promotions.

“I have a target on my back,” said Christison. “Just from my exposure in the various events I’ve been in. Not to say I’m any better than anyone else. Some people have said publicly I don’t deserve that attention. Whatever the case may be, I fully believe I have that target on my back. Based on the exposure I’ve had, there are people looking to make a statement, to prove that I didn’t work hard for the things I had.”

The next person in line is Sam Halloway (7-2), who faces Christison on the main card of the AFL’s BulletProof show Friday night at Philips Arena in Atlanta. Halloway trains in nearby Athens, Ga., at Hardcore Gym. He’ll have the hometown fans behind him as he looks for the first signature victory of his career against the 6-foot-8 Christison.

“He’s a strong wrestler, with fairly decent hands, and I look for him to fight the fight of his life,” said Christison, who has signed a four-fight deal with the AFL after his tour with the UFC and two fights last year in the International Fight League.

While Christison looks back on his stint on season two of the “TUF” reality show and his 1-2 mark in the UFC as positive experiences, “The Sandman” views the AFL as a key step in the evolution of his career. The organization touts itself as more fighter-focused than others, incorporates community service into its relationship with fighters, and is closely aligned with military charities.

“I liked what they had to offer,” said Christison, who relocated from Albuquerque to Dale, Ind., a year ago, but still trains under Greg Jackson. “I’m not talking monetarily. I’m talking specifically in the eyes of the competitor. Not only are they putting fighters first, they expect us to do community service and meet with fans. I liked the message the AFL is trying to send.”

The league, which began as Caged Inferno in 2006, has produced three events. Its first arena show was held in March at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky. Friday night’s BulletProof production marks the AFL’s first venture into a major metro market.

Philips Arena is hosting MMA for the first time, with a crowd in excess of 6,000 expected. In addition to Christison versus Holloway, a trio of title fights is on the card.

AFL lightweight champion Diego Saraiva defends his title against Josh Cate, once-beaten Douglas Lima faces Brent Weedman for the vacant welterweight title, while George Lockhart matches up against George Allen to determine a middleweight champ.

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